Divine Treasure is a poignant and heartfelt journey through Graciela Thomen Ginebra’s family history. The book intertwines the author’s genealogical discoveries with vivid storytelling, offering a glimpse into the lives and emotions of her Italian ancestors. With each chapter, Ginebra draws readers into her exploration of identity, memory, and heritage, painting a tapestry of love, loss, and resilience that spans continents and generations.

The vivid imagery she uses to describe moments feels so real. One of the book’s strengths lies in how it blends personal and historical narratives. The sections recounting the family reunion in Puerto Plata are especially touching. I loved how Ginebra captured the energy and warmth of reconnecting with distant relatives, painting a vivid picture of laughter and shared stories. Ginebra’s writing is rich with emotion, but at times, it can feel dense.

The author also does an excellent job of infusing these moments with a sense of spirituality and mysticism, leaving you wondering about the echoes of the past in the present. The themes of abandonment and resilience are woven into the book. The tale of Isidoro, the author’s great-grandfather, leaving his family behind in 1914, is heartbreaking and relatable in its ambiguity. The rawness of Ginebra’s emotions as she tries to unravel the mystery of his disappearance resonated with me. I appreciated how she acknowledged the complexities of memory and its ability to both heal and haunt.

Divine Treasure is an ode to family and the enduring connections that define us. Ginebra’s evocative storytelling makes it a memorable read. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in family history, heritage, or personal memoirs. It’s particularly suited for readers who enjoy richly descriptive writing and are willing to take their time savoring a narrative that feels as timeless as the memories it captures.

Pages: 340 | ASIN: B093YD1KCP